What Does a Web Developer Do?
A web developer builds and maintains websites and web applications that are functional, visually appealing, and optimized for performance. They combine technical coding skills with an understanding of user behavior to create responsive, cross-platform experiences that cater to users’ needs. Web developers often work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks to bring digital interfaces to life.
In addition to writing code, web developers are responsible for debugging issues, ensuring browser compatibility, and implementing accessibility best practices to ensure a seamless user experience. They may also manage databases, work with content management systems, and integrate APIs or third-party tools. The role requires close collaboration with designers, project managers, and back-end developers to ensure technical requirements align with user and business goals.
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Web Developer Roles and Responsibilities
- Write clean, efficient, and well-documented HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code
- Build responsive, mobile-first layouts and dynamic user interfaces
- Collaborate with designers and UX professionals to implement visual designs
- Integrate RESTful APIs and third-party services
- Maintain and update websites for performance, speed, and security
- Debug front-end and back-end issues across browsers and devices
- Follow version control workflows using Git and GitHub
- Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and SEO best practices
- Work with CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or headless CMS solutions
- Participate in code reviews and agile development cycles
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and responsive design
- Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, or Vue)
- Familiarity with server-side languages (Node.js, PHP, Python, or Ruby)
- Understanding of RESTful APIs and JSON
- Knowledge of browser debugging tools and performance optimization
- Competency in using Git version control
- Experience with cross-browser compatibility and testing
- Basic knowledge of SEO and WCAG accessibility guidelines
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset
- Strong collaboration and communication across departments
- Ability to manage deadlines and project milestones
- Adaptability in fast-paced, iterative environments
- Clear documentation and organizational habits
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, or a related field (preferred but not always required)
- Coding bootcamp or technical certification programs may also be accepted
Certifications
Not typically required, but beneficial certifications include:
- CIW Web Development Professional
- Google Mobile Web Specialist
- FreeCodeCamp or Meta Front-End Developer certification
Web Developer Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with full-stack environments (e.g., MERN, MEAN, or LAMP)
- Familiarity with DevOps tools like Docker or Jenkins
- Understanding of headless CMS or JAMstack architecture
- Background in UI/UX design principles
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams
Web Developer Compensation
Technical skill set, experience, and geographic location impact web developers’ compensation. Developers skilled in multiple programming languages or with expertise in front-end and back-end development usually earn more. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Web Developer is:
$96,959
Sample Web Developer Job Descriptions
Including the right content in your job description is important when hiring a web developer. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting top talent to your team.
Example #1: Junior Web Developer
Position Overview
A junior web developer is an entry-level role responsible for supporting website and web application development through coding, testing, and debugging. Working under the supervision of senior developers, junior web developers assist in building user interfaces, maintaining site functionality, and resolving front-end issues. This role is ideal for recent graduates, bootcamp completers, or early-career professionals looking to grow their technical expertise.
Responsibilities
- Write and maintain basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code
- Assist in implementing front-end designs and layouts
- Troubleshoot and fix bugs in existing codebases
- Test websites for functionality, usability, and responsiveness
- Support integration of APIs and third-party libraries
- Participate in daily standups and sprint planning sessions
- Follow coding standards and version control processes
- Document code and development processes for team use
Requirements
Hard skills
- Foundational knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
- Familiarity with modern frameworks (React, Angular, or Vue)
- Understanding of responsive design and browser compatibility
- Exposure to Git for version control
- Basic familiarity with RESTful APIs
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and accept feedback
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective time management in task-driven environments
- Team-first attitude and collaborative mindset
- Clear communication and documentation habits
Educational requirements
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
- Or completion of a recognized web development bootcamp
Certifications
Not required, but FreeCodeCamp, Meta Front-End Developer, or CIW certifications are a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Personal or school portfolio of web projects
- Familiarity with WordPress or another CMS
- Experience using debugging tools in Chrome DevTools
Example #2: Mid-level Web Developer
Position Overview
A mid-level web developer builds and maintains functional, efficient websites and web apps with greater independence and responsibility than junior counterparts. They are expected to manage portions of projects from start to finish, contribute to architecture discussions, and collaborate across teams. This role involves both front-end and back-end development, depending on the team’s stack.
Responsibilities
- Develop dynamic web interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks
- Collaborate with UX/UI teams to translate design into functional code
- Integrate APIs and manage data flow between front-end and back-end systems
- Optimize site performance, speed, and accessibility
- Debug issues and refactor code to improve maintainability
- Contribute to technical documentation and code reviews
- Participate in sprint planning and Agile ceremonies
- Guide junior developers and provide informal mentorship
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in full front-end stack and familiarity with one back-end language (e.g., Node.js, PHP, Python)
- Hands-on experience with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue
- Solid grasp of API integration, routing, and RESTful services
- Understanding of database interaction (SQL or NoSQL)
- Comfortable using Git/GitHub in collaborative environments
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and debugging autonomy
- Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Adaptability in fast-paced projects
- Initiative and ownership of development tasks
- Collaboration in cross-functional teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related discipline
- Or equivalent hands-on experience in development roles
Certifications
- Not required, but CIW Web Development Professional or Google Web Developer certification is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 2 to 5 years of relevant experience
- Exposure to DevOps practices or CI/CD tools
- Experience with accessibility testing and WCAG compliance
Example #3: Senior Web Developer
Position Overview
A senior web developer leads the design, development, and optimization of complex websites and applications. In addition to writing clean, scalable code, senior developers guide architecture decisions, ensure best practices, and mentor junior team members. This role demands deep technical proficiency and the ability to manage development lifecycles, stakeholder expectations, and strategic problem-solving.
Responsibilities
- Architect and implement scalable, maintainable web solutions
- Lead full-stack development using modern frameworks and backend integrations
- Set development standards and ensure code quality via peer reviews
- Mentor and support junior and mid-level developers
- Collaborate with product managers, designers, and stakeholders to plan features
- Stay up to date on emerging technologies and recommend adoption
- Troubleshoot complex bugs and deploy fixes efficiently
- Enforce site performance, security, and accessibility best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in front-end frameworks (React, Vue, Angular) and back-end technologies (Node.js, Python, PHP, etc.)
- Experience with architectural design and scalable infrastructure
- Strong understanding of REST APIs, databases (SQL/NoSQL), and cloud platforms
- Proficiency in Git workflows, CI/CD, and automated testing
- Deep familiarity with cross-browser compatibility, performance tuning, and accessibility
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and technical leadership
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Mentorship and team development mindset
- Strong communication with technical and executive audiences
- Accountability for code and product outcomes
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or equivalent field
Certifications
Not required, but advanced certifications in architecture or cloud development (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, Google Professional Web Developer) are valuable
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on web development experience
- Previous leadership or team lead experience
- Familiarity with DevOps pipelines and containerization tools like Docker